Hil - Lab Tech - Lead

The Lead Lab Tech is responsible and accountable for leading a team of Lab Technicians; performing laboratory tests on raw materials, products in process, and finished products; and ensuring a quality product is produced, packaged, and prepared for delivery to customers.

Responsibilities:

• Perform microbiological, chemical, physical, and sensory analyses of products.
• Hold, release, and reject finished goods based on product analysis.
• Verify compliance and alert management of any deviations from specifications.
• Perform in-plant weight checks, temperature checks, ingredient usage, and distribution of finished product appearance, code date verification, pH testing, and metal detection verification.
• Perform calibration and scheduled preventative maintenance on lab equipment.
• Responsible for daily finished product evaluations.
• Performs environment testing.
• Maintain records on tests as well as temperature, product tracking, cleaning and sanitizing records, weights, volume, codes, and any other information assigned.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe work area.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Follow all safety and security policies and procedures,
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Follow all food safety and quality system requirements by committing to meet all pertinent regulatory, customer and Safe Quality Foods (SQF) requirements.

QualificationsandExperience:

• Lead and mentor Lab Technicians.
• Prior experience leading a team is preferred
• Ability to read, write, perform basic mathematical calculations, and accurately record data.
• Must be willing to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and varying shifts, as required.
• Prior experience in a laboratory environment required
• Excellent customer service and verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Must be organized and detail oriented.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Minimum age: 18
• Must be able to pass a drug screen and physical.

Certification/Licenses/Registrations:

• HACCP Certification and SQF Training preferred

Physical Demand/Working ConditionsandExperience:

• Must be able to frequently stand, walk, kneel, reach, climb, pull, and bend.
• Must be able to routinely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; and occasionally 75 pounds.
• Must be able to work for extended periods in a cold, damp environment.

I understand the description of this job and the essential functions, as given above. I also understand that all of the duties are not described above and that I will perform those above and other related duties as directed by my supervisor and management.

Hiland Dairy Foods Company is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.